Marjorie McCown
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown
Author of Star Struck
Film costumer Joey Jessop discovers that Hollywood buries its secrets deep when a superstar's assistant turns up dead. Joey is working on a movie set in the 1930s featuring one of the world's biggest box office stars, Gillian Best, known more for her lifestyle brand than her acting ability. After a hit-and-run near the set, Joey realizes that the car involved belongs to Gillian, and she begins to wonder if the actress has more to hide than her Botox appointments. But Hollywood stars know how to keep their secrets close and a woman like Gillian Best doesn't take kindly to someone sniffing around her affairs. Still, Joey is certain that Gillian has something to hide -- and she's determined to find out what.
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown
Author I draw inspiration from:
It's impossible to choose one author --- even if I named a dozen, i'd be leaving key names off the list! But I've certainly been inspired by the works of Edith Wharton, particularly "The House of Mirth." Also Kenneth Grahame, Patricia Highsmith, Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman, Michael Connelly, Peter Heller, Robert Crais -- and two screenwriters with whom I've worked: Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) and John Sayles (Apollo 13.)
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
On my deck with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop or my big "reading chair" in the living room with my cat, Max, snuggled next to me.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I don't love the idea of being stuck in an elevator with anyone, but I suppose if I had to choose, I'd say Elvis Cole from any of Robert Crais's books in that vastly entertaining mystery series. I'm claustrophobic so I'd be anxious; Elvis is witty and resourceful so he'd help keep the mood light while we waited for liberation from that metal box.
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
When I read "The Wind in the Willows" for the first time at age 8.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Love them all! Hardback is my first choice at home -- or paperback if the book I want to read is only available in that format. Ebook if I'm waiting in a post office line or at a doctor's office. Audiobook when I'm having my daily walk on the beach.
The last book I read:
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen. A completely delightful read -- loved the characters, the remote Maine coastal setting, and the twisty story about a group of retired spies who are pressed back into service to safeguard one of their own. I can't wait for the next adventure of "the Martini Club."
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Computer -- I love the immediacy while I'm composing the initial draft -- it helps me with the pace and flow of the story. And I love that immediate gratification even more when it comes time to edit!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Kinsey Milhone from the great Sue Grafton's Alphabet mystery series. Kinsey's whip-smart and independent. She also has a keen sense of humor and a big heart -- even though it's been broken a few times.
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
I loved my first career as a costume designer for theater and film, but I think if I had to choose another career moving forward, (and I couldn't choose being an author, which is my dream career) I'd be an interior decorator. I love choosing the elements to create beautiful, comfortable spaces.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
1760s/Roccoco
Place I’d most like to travel:
Alaska. I've been to Alaska, but not for 20 years and of all the many places I've traveled, it is the destination that calls me back. For me, it was a spiritually buoyant experience, just being in the midst of those majestic landscapes, many still unspoiled by human contact. And the wildlife! I would just love to go back.
My signature drink:
Sparkling water with fresh lemon. Boring answer, but true. I have a prolific lemon tree outside my kitchen and I always have a glass of fizzy water with lemon beside me at the computer.
Favorite artist:
Yikes! Another fun but difficult question! I'm going to say Fragonard -- definitely in my top 5.
Number one on my bucket list:
No bucket lists. But I'd like to try parasailing.
Anything else you'd like to add:
Ashley, I just want to thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to talk to more readers! I admire and appreciate your dedication to supporting our reading/writing community!
Find more from the author:
Website: https://marjoriemccown.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastlamm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarjorieMcCownBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marjoriemccownbooks/
About Marjorie McCown:
Author Interview - Marjorie McCown
Marjorie McCown has spent her entire professional life in the story-telling business, though she started out on the visual side of the craft. She spent 27 years in Hollywood working on the costumes for movies like Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and X-Men Days of Future Past. She brings that experience to her writing to give readers an insider's guided tour behind the scenes of Hollywood movies in production.
Her cozy murder mystery Final Cut, the first book in her Hollywood Mystery series featuring movie costumer Joey Jessop, was published in June 2023 and was chosen as an Amazon Editors' Pick in the Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense category. Final Cut also selected by the Los Angeles Public Library blog as one of the favorite books of 2023 and was named by Deadly Pleasures Magazine as one of the best cozy mysteries of 2023. Star Struck, Book #2 in her Hollywood Mystery series publishes May 7 of this year. Marjorie is a member of Sisters-in-Crime and Mystery Authors of America.
